The Golden State Warriors parted ways with Jordan Poole over three years ago, and since then it's fair to say neither player or franchise has enjoyed the kind of success they've envisaged.
Poole undoubtedly played his best basketball at the Warriors, and there's no doubt the team has lacked some offensive spark since his departure. Could a shock reunion therefore be in store? There's actually a very obvious path, provided Golden State believe Poole and Draymond Green can play together again.
Warriors have surprising but obvious path to Jordan Poole reunion
Poole has been part of new coach Jahmahl Mosley's rotation through the New Orleans Pelicans' first three games, but he's averaged only 18.7 minutes where he's shooting a paltry 16.7% from the floor.
As a result, Poole is reportedly looking for a way out of the Pelicans according to team insider Shamit Dua, with the 26-year-old on an expiring $34 million contract that he initially signed with the Warriors.
"Jones is not the only veteran whose future in New Orleans is uncertain. Sources say Jordan Poole has told the Pelicans he would be open to opportunities elsewhere. His preference raises a broader question about how many of the team's veterans see their long-term future in New Orleans," Dua wrote.
It's hard to see too many teams that will be willing to take on Poole's deal even though it's expiring. Golden State are uniquely placed though because they have their own undesirable contract in Kristaps Porzingis who remains away from the deal with a health issue that could end his career.
Warriors wouldn't be primarily trading for Jordan Poole
The idea of trading for Poole is not to acquire him alone. The Pelicans have other players the Warriors may hold more interest in, starting with Yves Missi who, according to Dua in the same report, has already been a player Mike Dunleavy Jr. has inquired about.
Perhaps the cost of acquiring Missi is taking on Poole's contract. If Golden State do it by December 15, they could still package Poole's contract in another trade by the deadline. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater on Wednesday, re-routing an acquired player is something the Warriors could consider after they did it with veteran guard Dennis Schroder two years ago.
A reunion between the Warriors and Poole would still be deemed highly unlikely, but it shouldn't be completely ruled out as the Pelicans continue to emerge as a potential trade partner.
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